Flow mixers for respiratory therapy systems

ABSTRACT

A flow of gases in a respiratory therapy system can be conditioned to achieve more consistent output from sensors configured to sense a characteristic of the flow. The flow can be mixed by imparting a tangential, rotary, helical, or swirling motion to the flow of gases. The mixing can occur upstream of the sensors. The flow can be segregated into smaller compartments to reduce turbulence in a region of the sensors.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/656,967, filed Mar. 29, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/315,669, filed Dec. 1, 2016, which is a 371application of PCT Application No. PCT/NZ2015/050069, filed Jun. 3,2015, which claims priority from U.S. provisional applications62/007,095 filed Jun. 3, 2014, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to a respiratory therapysystem. More particularly, certain features, aspects, and advantages ofthe present disclosure relate to a flow mixing or flow redistributingapparatus for use with a respiratory therapy system.

Description of Related Art

A respiratory therapy system may be used to provide respiratory gases toa patient. The respiratory therapy system may comprise a gases source,an interface that may be used to deliver gases to an airway of apatient, and a conduit extending between the gases source and theinterface. The respiratory therapy system may also include ahumidification apparatus to humidify and/or heat gases prior todelivery. Gases delivered to a patient at 100% relative humidity and 37°C. generally mimic properties of air resulting from the transformationthat occurs as air passes through airways from the nose to the lungs.This can promote efficient gases exchange and ventilation in the lungs,aid defense mechanisms in the airways, and increase patient comfortduring treatment. The humidification apparatus can include a waterreservoir and a heating element for heating the water in the reservoir.As the water heats, vapor is formed that can humidify the gases flowingthrough the humidification apparatus. A humidification apparatus canalso be utilized for other medical applications where heating andhumidification of gases may be useful, including the insufflation gasesused in laparoscopic surgery, for example but without limitation.

It can be useful to determine various characteristics of gases flowingthrough the respiratory therapy system, including flow rate andtemperature. In some cases, numerical values associated with thesecharacteristics can be used as inputs to, for example, a closed loop(for example, proportional-integral-derivative or PID) or open loopcontrol system, which in turn can be used to guide operation of amechanical blower or a humidification apparatus. However, achieving finecontrol with such control systems depends on the accuracy of the sensorsused to determine such gases characteristics, as well as on theuniformity of the flow of gases. In some cases, the accuracy orprecision of a sensor used to determine a characteristic of gasesflowing through a gases passageway can be less than desirable if thecharacteristic occurs in a radially asymmetric pattern across across-section or profile of the gases passageway. For example, if gasesflow through a gases passageway that comprises a bend, the velocity ofthe gases in the gases passageway can be radially asymmetric in across-section of the gases passageway at or near the bend or downstreamof the bend. This variability of a given gases characteristic canundesirably affect the sensor accuracy, particularly if the number andseverity of bends in the gases passageway in use will be unknown, as themagnitude of errors in output signals of the sensor used can bedifficult to predict. Similarly, non-laminar flow (that is, turbulentflow) also can adversely impact the accuracy or precision of the readingfrom the sensor.

SUMMARY

Certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of theembodiments disclosed herein include the realization that mixing gasesflowing through a gases passageway upstream of a sensor configured tomeasure of a characteristic of the gases can improve the accuracy of thesensor by improving uniformity in the flow along a cross-section orprofile of the gases passageway. “Mixing” as used herein may beunderstood to refer to redistributing or conditioning a flow of gasesthat has been asymmetrically split along a first cross-section of agases passageway into, for example, high-velocity components andlow-velocity components, such that the velocity of the flow of gasesafter mixing may be more symmetric along a second cross-section of thegases passageway downstream of the first cross-section (as shown anddescribed in FIG. 7 and elsewhere in this disclosure). The flow of gasesmay be mixed or made more homogenous to improve the accuracy of a sensorby positioning a static mixer or other mixing apparatus in the gasespassageway upstream of the sensor, such that the mixer imparts atangential, helical, swirling, or rotary motion to the flow of gases.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a flow mixer.The flow mixer comprises a static mixer. The flow mixer comprises ajacket adapted to be positioned in a gases passageway. At least one vaneextends inwardly from the jacket. The at least one vane is configured toimpart a tangential motion to gases flowing along the at least one vane.

Each vane of the flow mixer can extend inwardly or converge upon aninternal center of the jacket. Each vane of the flow mixer can extendinwardly to a position at or near a central location equidistant from afirst section of the jacket where the vane originates and a secondsection of the jacket opposite the first section. Each vane can supportan internal conduit located at or near the central location. The vanescan be positioned such that they extend inwardly from the jacket atpositions that are radially equidistant with respect to the innersurface of the jacket.

Each vane can extend axially along a length of the jacket. Each vane canextend axially along the entire length of the jacket. Each vane canextend spirally along a length of the jacket. Each vane can extendspirally along the entire length of the jacket. Each vane can extendaxially and spirally along the length of the jacket. Each vane canextend along the length of the jacket at a constant pitch. Each vane canextend along the length of the jacket at a variable pitch.

The jacket can be cylindrical. The outer surface of the jacket can besmooth. The at least one vane of the flow mixer can comprise a pluralityof vanes. A plurality of vanes can consist of, for example, two, three,or four vanes.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a respiratorytherapy system. The respiratory therapy system comprises a gasespassageway adapted to transmit gases to a patient and a flow mixerpositioned in the gases passageway. The flow mixer can, for example,comprise one of the flow mixer configurations described above orelsewhere in this specification.

A sensor can be positioned in a section of the gases passagewaydownstream of the flow mixer. The sensor can comprise a temperaturesensor and/or a flow sensor. A humidification apparatus can be locateddownstream of the flow mixer. A flow generator can be located upstreamof the flow mixer. A patient interface can be located downstream of theflow mixer and/or downstream of the gases passageway.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a flow mixingapparatus for a respiratory therapy system. The flow mixing apparatuscomprises a cap comprising a first end adapted to be placed over and/orinto an inlet of a gases passageway, a second end having an aperture,and a side wall extending between the first and second ends. A gasescompartment surrounds the side wall and second end of the cap. The gasescompartment comprises a channel adapted to admit a flow of gases. Theflow mixing apparatus is configured such that gases flowing through thechannel are directed around the side wall and into the second end.

The edges of the aperture can be beveled. The gases compartment and thecap can be integrally formed or be in the form of a single continuouspart. The channel can be oriented with respect to the cap such that inuse a flow of gases through the channel can be perpendicular to a flowof gases through the aperture.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to an alternativerespiratory therapy system. The respiratory therapy system comprises agases passageway adapted to transmit gases to a subject, the gasespassageway comprising an inlet, and a flow mixing apparatus. The flowmixing apparatus comprises a cap comprising a first end adapted to beplaced over and/or into the inlet of the gases passageway. The flowmixing apparatus can, for example, comprise one of the flow mixingapparatus configurations described above or elsewhere in thisspecification.

A flow mixer can be positioned in the gases passageway downstream of thecap. The flow mixer can, for example, comprise one of the flow mixerconfigurations described above or elsewhere in this specification.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a respiratorytherapy apparatus comprising a gas flow path that comprises an gasesinlet opening and a gases outlet opening. A flow conditioner ispositioned along the gas flow path between the gases inlet opening andthe gases outlet opening. The flow conditioner comprises at least oneinternal wall. The at least one internal wall divides the gases flowpath into a first gases flow path and a second gases flow path at alocation between the gases inlet opening and the gases outlet openingsuch that a plurality of compartments are defined within the gases flowpath.

The plurality of compartments can be configured to promote laminar flowthrough at least one of the plurality of compartments. At least onesensor can be configured to sense flow through one of the plurality ofcompartments with the sensor sensing flow through the at least one ofthe plurality of compartments that is configured to promote laminarflow. The sensor can be sensitive to changes in flow velocity.

The gas flow passage can comprise a port of a humidifier. The gas flowpassage can comprise an elbow-shaped port of the humidifier. The atleast one internal wall can be non-linear. The at least one internalwall can comprise a pair of walls. The pair of walls can be concentric.Each of the pair of concentric walls can be adapted to guide flowpassing from the gases inlet opening to the gases outlet opening.

The flow conditioner can be removable from the gases flow path. The flowconditioner can comprise a retainment feature that interfaces with acomplementary feature in a wall defining at least a portion of the gasesflow path. The flow conditioner can be snap fit to the wall defining atleast the portion of the gases flow path.

The plurality of compartments can comprise four compartments. The flowconditioner can comprise four baffles that at least partially definefour compartments.

The gases flow path can form a portion of a humidification chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the detailed description herein havingreference to the figures that follow.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example configuration for arespiratory therapy system.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a humidification chamber.

FIG. 3 shows a top-down view of the humidification chamber of FIG. 2 anda flow mixing apparatus.

FIG. 4A shows the flow mixing apparatus of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 4B shows the flow mixing apparatus of FIG. 4A connected to thehumidification chamber of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 4C shows a first example schematic of a gases flow path through theflow mixing apparatus of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 4D shows a second example schematic of a gases flow path throughthe flow mixing apparatus of FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 5A-5G show different embodiments of flow mixers.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a humidification chamber comprising aflow mixer, the flow mixer being similar to those described in FIGS.5A-5G.

FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a section of a gases passageway of arespiratory therapy device comprising a flow mixer similar to thosedescribed in FIGS. 5A-5G or FIG. 6 .

FIGS. 8A-8E show various static mixing structures.

FIGS. 9A-9G show various views of an example embodiment of a flowconditioner configured to be disposed in an elbow-shaped outlet port ofthe humidification chamber.

FIG. 10 shows a section view of the humidification chamber having anelbow-shaped outlet port.

FIG. 11 shows flow through the elbow-shaped outlet port without use ofthe flow conditioner of FIGS. 9A-9G.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show views of the elbow-shaped outlet port and a cleftconfigured to receive a flow conditioner retention feature.

FIGS. 14A-14J show various section views of the flow conditionerdisposed in the elbow-shaped outlet port of the humidification chamber.

FIGS. 15A-15D show flow paths created by the flow conditioner.

FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of a flow conditioningelbow-shaped outlet port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example configuration for arespiratory therapy system 100. In the illustrated configuration, therespiratory therapy system 100 may comprise a flow generator 101. Theflow generator 101 may comprise a gases inlet 102 and a gases outlet104. The flow generator 101 may comprise a blower 106. The blower 106may comprise a motor. The motor may comprise a stator and a rotor. Therotor may comprise a shaft. An impeller may be linked to the shaft. Inuse, the impeller may rotate concurrently with the shaft to draw gasesinto the flow generator 101 through the gases inlet 102. As illustratedin FIG. 1 , gases can be drawn into the flow generator 101 from thesurrounding atmosphere, also known as room or ambient air. The flowgenerator 101 may comprise a user interface 108 that comprises one ormore buttons, knobs, dials, switches, levers, touch screens, speakers,displays, and/or other input or output modules that may enable a user tooperate the flow generator 101 and/or other components or aspects of therespiratory therapy system 100. The flow generator 101 may deliver gasesthrough the gases outlet 104 to a first conduit 110. The first conduit110 may deliver the gases to a humidification apparatus 112 that may beused to heat and/or humidify the gases.

The humidification apparatus 112 may comprise a humidifier inlet 116 anda humidifier outlet 118. The humidification apparatus 112 can beconfigured to hold water or another humidifying liquid (hereinafterreferred to as water). The humidification apparatus 112 may alsocomprise a heater that may be used to heat the water held in thehumidification apparatus 112 to add vapor to, and/or to increase thetemperature of, gases flowing through the humidification apparatus 112from the humidifier inlet 116 to the humidifier outlet 118. The heatermay comprise, for example, a resistive metallic heating plate. Thehumidification apparatus 112 may comprise a user interface 120 thatcomprises one or more buttons, knobs, dials, switches, levers, touchscreens, speakers, displays and/or other input or output modules thatmay enable a user to operate the humidification apparatus 112 and/orother components or aspects of the respiratory therapy system 100. Otherconfigurations of the humidification apparatus 112 are possible and areintended to be included in the scope of this disclosure.

Gases may flow from the humidifier outlet 118 to a second conduit 122.The second conduit 122 may comprise a conduit heater. The conduit heatermay be used to add heat to gases flowing through the second conduit 122,which may reduce or eliminate the likelihood of condensation of vaporheld in humidified gases. The conduit heater may comprise one or moreresistive wires located in, on, around, or near a wall of the secondconduit 122 or in a gases flow path within the second conduit 122. Gasesmay flow from the second conduit 122 to a patient interface 124 that canpneumatically link the respiratory therapy system 100 to an airway of apatient. The patient interface 124 may be a sealing or non-sealinginterface and may comprise a nasal mask, an oral mask, an oronasal mask,a full face mask, a nasal pillows mask, a nasal cannula, an endotrachealtube, a combination of the above, or some other gas conveying system orapparatus.

In the illustrated configuration, and as implied above, the respiratorytherapy system 100 may operate as follows. Gases may be drawn into theflow generator 101 through the gases inlet 102 due to the rotation of animpeller of the motor of the blower 106. The gases may be propelled outof the gases outlet 104 and along the first conduit 110. The gases mayenter the humidification apparatus 112 through the humidifier inlet 116.Once in the humidification apparatus 112, the gases may entrainmoisture, or become more humidified, when flowing over or near water inthe humidification apparatus 112. The water may be heated by the heaterof the humidification apparatus 112, which may aid in the humidificationand/or heating of the gases flowing through the humidification apparatus112. The gases may leave the humidification apparatus 112 through thehumidifier outlet 118 to the second conduit 122. Gases may flow from thesecond conduit 122 to the patient interface 124 and into an airway of apatient. To summarize, in use, gases may flow along a gases flow pathextending from the gases inlet 102 of the flow generator 101 to thepatient interface 124. “Gases flow path” as used herein may refer tothis entire gases flow path or a portion of such.

The illustrated configuration is not be taken to be limiting. Many otherconfigurations for the respiratory therapy system 100 are possible. Insome configurations, the flow generator 101 may, for example, comprise asource or container of compressed gases (for example, air or oxygen). Acontainer of compressed gases may comprise a valve that may be adjustedto control a flow of gases leaving the container. In someconfigurations, the flow generator 101 may use such a source ofcompressed gases and/or another gases source in lieu of the blower 106.In some configurations, the blower 106 may be used in conjunction withanother gases source. In some configurations, the blower 106 maycomprise a motorized blower or may comprise a bellows or some otherapparatus configured to generate a flow of gases. In someconfigurations, the flow generator 101 may draw in atmospheric gasesthrough the gases inlet 102. In some configurations, the flow generator101 may be adapted both to draw in atmospheric gases through the gasesinlet 102 and to take in other gases (for example, oxygen, nitric oxide,or carbon dioxide) through the same gases inlet 102 or a different gasesinlet. In some configurations, the flow generator 101 and thehumidification apparatus 112 may be integrated or may share a housing126. In some configurations, the flow generator 101 and thehumidification apparatus 112 may be separate of each other and connectedwith a conduit, a duct or any other suitable manner of transmitting agas flow from the flow generator 101 to the humidification apparatus 112or from the humidification apparatus 112 to the flow generator 101.

In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system 100 may comprisea user interface located on the flow generator 101, the humidificationapparatus 112, the first conduit 110, the second conduit 122, thepatient interface 124, or another component of the respiratory therapysystem 100. In some configurations, the operation of components oraspects of the respiratory therapy system 100 may be controlledwirelessly through a user interface located on a remote computing devicesuch as a tablet, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, oranother computing device. In some configurations, the operation of theflow generator 101, the humidification apparatus 112, or othercomponents or aspects of the respiratory therapy system 100 may becontrolled by a controller. The controller may comprise amicroprocessor. The controller may be located in or on the flowgenerator 101, the humidification apparatus 112, or another component ofthe respiratory therapy system 100 or on a remote computing device. Insome configurations, the operation of the flow generator 101, thehumidification apparatus 112, or other components or aspects of therespiratory therapy system 100 may be controlled by multiplecontrollers.

In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system 100 may compriseone or more sensors configured to detect various characteristics ofgases in the respiratory therapy system 100, including pressure, flowrate, temperature, absolute humidity, relative humidity, enthalpy,oxygen concentration, and/or carbon dioxide concentration; one or moresensors configured to detect various medical characteristics of thepatient, including heart rate, EEG signal, EKG/ECG signal, blood oxygenconcentration, blood CO₂ concentration, and/or blood glucose; and/or oneor more sensors configured to detect various characteristics of gases orother substances outside the respiratory therapy system 100, includingambient temperature and/or ambient humidity. One or more of the sensorsmay be used to aid in the control of components of the respiratorytherapy system 100, including the humidification apparatus 112, throughthe use of a closed or open loop control system (for example, throughthe use of the controller mentioned above).

In some configurations, there may be no user interface or a minimal userinterface for components of the respiratory therapy system 100. In somesuch configurations, the respiratory therapy system 100 may utilize asensor to detect that a patient is attempting to use the respiratorytherapy system 100 and to automatically operate (for example, the flowgenerator 101 may generate a gases flow, and/or the humidificationapparatus 112 may humidify gases, as previously described) according toone or more predetermined control parameters. In some configurations,the respiratory therapy system 100 may comprise a single limb circuitthat comprises an inspiratory gases passageway. In some configurations,the respiratory therapy system 100 may comprise a dual limb system thatcomprises inspiratory and expiratory gases passageways.

The respiratory therapy system 100 may be used for other medicalapplications not involving providing gases to an airway of a patient.For example, the respiratory therapy system 100 could be used to provideinsufflation gases for laparoscopic surgery. This application may bepracticed by replacing the patient interface 124 with a surgical cannulathat may be inserted into an abdominal cavity of a patient through anopening created, for example, using a trocar. Additionally, certainfeatures, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the presentdisclosure may be utilized for other applications involving thehumidification of gases, including room humidifiers.

FIG. 2 shows a humidification chamber 114 that may comprise a part ofthe humidification apparatus 112. The humidification chamber 114 maycomprise the humidifier inlet 116, the humidifier outlet 118, and areservoir 128. As implied in the above description, gases flowingthrough the humidification apparatus 112 may flow through the humidifierinlet 116 and into the reservoir 128 that may contain a liquid 130 suchas water. Humidified gases may flow from the reservoir 128 through thehumidifier outlet 118. In the illustrated configuration, the humidifierinlet 116 extends in a linear manner while the humidifier outlet 118extends in a nonlinear manner. The humidifier inlet 116 extendsvertically. The humidifier outlet 118 extends vertically and thenhorizontally.

The humidification chamber 114 may comprise a base plate 132 that atleast partially defines the reservoir 128. The base plate 132 maycomprise a flange 133. The flange 133 may help to secure thehumidification chamber 114 to a housing (not shown) of thehumidification apparatus 112 having a complementary recess adapted toaccept the flange 133. A heater (not shown) of the humidificationapparatus 112 may be positioned under the base plate 132 to heat thewater 130 in the reservoir 128, which may vaporize the water 130 tohumidify the flow of gases, as well as increase the gases temperature.Other locations for a heater are possible, such as, for example, on ornear the external or internal walls of the humidification chamber 114 orwithin the reservoir 128.

Sensors (not shown) may be positioned in apertures 134A, 134B, 134Clocated along the gases flow path extending between the humidifier inlet116 and the humidifier outlet 118. The sensors may comprise, forexample, flow sensors, temperature sensors, and/or humidity sensors thatare configured to measure characteristics of gases flowing through thehumidification chamber 114 before and/or after flowing through thereservoir 128. In the illustrated configuration, the humidifier inlet116 has two apertures 134A, 134B while the humidifier outlet 118 has oneaperture 134C. In some configurations, the humidifier inlet 116 has oneaperture while the humidifier outlet 118 has two apertures. In someconfigurations, a sensor configured to be positioned in one of theapertures 134A, 134B, 134C can be a thermistor adapted to sense thetemperature of gases passing within the flow path into which thethermistor extends. In some configurations, a pair of sensors configuredto be positioned in any two of the apertures 134A, 134B, 134C can be apair of thermistors where one or both of the thermistors is adapted tosense the temperature of gases passing within the flow path into whichthe thermistor(s) extend. In some configurations, a pair of sensorsconfigured to be positioned in any two of the apertures 134A, 134B, 134Ccan be a pair of thermistors where one of the pair of thermistors isadapted to act as a reference and the pair of thermistors is adapted tosense the flow rate of gases passing within the flow path into which thepair of thermistors extend.

FIG. 3 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the humidificationchamber 114 similar to that shown in FIG. 2 . This embodiment of thehumidification chamber 114 may similarly comprise the humidifier inlet116 and the humidifier outlet 118. The humidification chamber 114 mayalso comprise a conduit connector 115 adapted to connect the firstconduit 110 to the humidifier inlet 116. The conduit connector 115 maybe configured to swivel, pivot, or otherwise move to allow the firstconduit 110 to be oriented in a plurality of positions with respect tothe humidification chamber 114. For example, as illustrated by thedotted lines representing the first conduit 110 in FIG. 3 , the conduitconnector 115 may be permitted to swivel around the humidifier inlet 116to accommodate the position or orientation of the first conduit 110 withrespect to the humidification chamber 114. However, although it isadvantageous to allow flexibility in the position of the first conduit110, as previously described, a bend in the first conduit 110 canadversely affect the accuracy of a sensor positioned downstream of thefirst conduit 110 by changing the velocity of the flow along a givencross-section or profile of the gases passageway of the first conduit110. A bend, for example, may encompass a deviation in the angle of aconduit from greater than 0° to 180°, or from 30° to 150°, or from 60°to 120°. It may be advantageous to mix gases flowing through or from thefirst conduit 110 to counteract sensor inaccuracies caused by a bend inthe first conduit 110.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates a configuration for the conduit connector115 that may improve flow mixing. The conduit connector 115 may beconfigured to induce a tangential or swirling motion to the flow—inother words, it may act as a flow mixer. As illustrated, the conduitconnector 115 may comprise a connector inlet 140 adapted to receivegases from, for example, the first conduit 110. The connector inlet 140may direct the received gases through a channel 141 leading to a gasescompartment 146 that comprises a base 142. A cap 144 may be positionedwithin the gases compartment 146. A cavity may be present between thecap 144 and the gases compartment 146 to allow for the flow of gasesthrough the conduit connector 115. The cap 144 may comprise an open end149 configured to be placed over the inlet of a gases passageway, forexample the humidifier inlet 116. In some configurations, the cap 144may be configured to be placed into the humidifier inlet 116 instead ofor in addition to being placed over the humidifier inlet 116. The cap144 may be integrally formed or be in the form of a single continuouspiece with the base 142. The cap 144 may comprise a sidewall 145 and atop 147. The top 147 may comprise apertures 148. The edges of theapertures 148 may be beveled or angled so as to direct gases flowingthrough the apertures axially and/or tangentially through the top 147.In some configurations, the beveled edges or other sections of the top147 may comprise vanes that protrude down into the cap 144, the vanesextending axially and/or spirally to promote further gases mixing. Insome configurations, the apertures 148 may comprise one aperture, a pairof apertures, or more than two apertures. In some configurations, thetop 147 may not be present and the cap 144 may simply comprise two openends.

In use, gases flowing through the channel 141 may be forced to flowalong the sidewall 145 of the cap 144. Some gases may be forced to flowaround or circumscribe the cap 144 and some gases may be forced to flowup the sidewall 145 to enter the apertures 148 and ultimately flowthrough the open end 149. The tangential velocity component of the gasesmay increase as a result of the motion of the flow of gases around thesidewall 145, which may improve the mixing of the gases. Additionally,gases circumscribing or flowing around the cap 144 may collide withgases flowing up the sidewall 145 and proceeding to the open end 149,which may increase gases mixing as a result of increased turbulence. Insome configurations, and as seen in FIG. 4A, 4B, and most clearly inFIG. 4C, the channel 141 may be positioned such that gases flowingthrough the channel 141 strike the sidewall 145 of the cap 144 roughlyhead-on and are diverted clockwise or counterclockwise around thesidewall 145 with roughly equal biases. However, in some configurations,and as shown in FIG. 4D, the channel 141 may be positioned such that itis offset with respect to the cap 144. Gases flowing through the channel141 may then be biased towards a side of the sidewall 145, which mayfurther promote tangential motion of the gases.

FIGS. 5A-5G depict various configurations of flow mixers that embodyother methods for mixing a gases flow by imparting a tangential,rotational, spiraling, swirling, or other motion to the gases flow thatmay be inserted or positioned in a gases passageway. The gasespassageway may comprise, for example, the humidifier inlet 116 or thehumidifier outlet 118. The flow mixer may comprise a static mixer. A“static mixer” may be understood as referring to a structure having nomoving parts that promotes the mixing of gases or other fluids byutilizing the energy of the gases rather than utilizing energy fromanother source, such as an electrical power supply.

FIGS. 5A-5B show perspective and top-down views, respectively, of a flowmixer 150. The flow mixer 150 may be configured to impart a tangential,rotational, swirling, or spiral velocity vector to the gases flowingthrough the flow mixer 150. The flow mixer 150 may comprise a jacket151. The profile or shape of the jacket 151 may match the profile orshape of the gases passageway in which the flow mixer 150 is placed. Forexample, the jacket 151 may be cylindrical. The jacket 151 may be smoothto facilitate insertion into and/or removal from the gases passageway. Apair of vanes 152 may extend inwardly from the jacket 151 towards acenter of the flow mixer 150. In other words, each of the vanes 152 mayextend inwardly from the jacket 151 to a location at or near a centrallocation equidistant from a first section of the jacket 151 where thevane 152 originates and a second section of the jacket 151 opposite thefirst section. The vanes 152 may support an internal conduit 154 thatmay be centrally located in the flow mixer 150 and that may extendaxially along the length of the flow mixer 150. In some embodiments, theinternal conduit 154 may provide a passageway through which water mayflow, for example, into a reservoir of a humidification apparatus. Theinternal conduit 154 may be sized or configured so as to accept a spikeconnected to a water source. In some embodiments, the internal conduit154 may be sized or configured so as to accept a float retentionapparatus that may extend through a gases passageway in which the flowmixer 150 is placed, such as the humidifier inlet 116.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B, the vanes 152 may extend axially andspirally along the length of the flow mixer 150 (and the jacket 151). Asgases flow along the vanes 152, the gases may be guided in such a waythat a part of the axial and/or radial components of the flow velocityvector may be modified to increase the tangential component of the flowvelocity vector. The vanes 152 may each be angled such that theyspirally traverse at least a portion or, in some embodiments, all of thelength of the flow mixer 150 without intercepting each other (that is,the vanes 152 do not intersect in some embodiments). The angles of thevanes 152 may be such that the starting position of a given one of thevanes 152 is circumferentially offset by 180° from the ending positionof the vane 152. The vanes 152 may have a constant pitch along thelength of the vanes 152. In other words, each of the vanes 152 mayextend spirally along the length of the jacket 151 such that the anglebetween any two points along the edge of the vane 152 is constant. Theflow mixer 150 may be sized such that it can be easily inserted into agases passageway. For example, the width of the flow mixer 150 (as shownby the double-ended arrow annotated ‘W’ in FIG. 5A) may be 10 mm to 30mm, or 15 mm to 25 mm, or 20 mm. Similarly, the length of the flow mixer150 (as shown by the double-ended arrow annotated ‘L’ in FIG. 5A) may be10 mm to 30 mm, or 15 mm to 25 mm, or 20 mm. The angle of each of thevanes 152 may be, for example, 42° to 70°, or 46° to 66°, or 50° to 62°,or 54° to 58°, or 56°.

Other configurations for the flow mixer 150 are contemplated. Forexample, although FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate that the pitch of the vanes152 may be constant (more clearly shown in FIG. 5C through the use ofthe character θ), as illustrated in FIG. 5D the pitch of the vanes 152may be variable across any portion of the length of the jacket 151.Additionally, although FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate that the flow mixer150 may comprise two vanes 152, in some configurations, a single vane152 may be used, or more than two vanes 152 could be used. For example,FIG. 5E shows an embodiment of the flow mixer 150 comprising four vanes152. Although FIGS. 5B and 5E, for example, show that the flow mixer 150may comprise the internal conduit 154, in some configurations theinternal conduit 154 may not be present, and the radial ends of thevanes 152 may touch at or near the center of the flow mixer 150.Although FIGS. 59 and 5E, for example, show that the vanes 152 mayextend inwardly from the jacket 151 evenly (for example, that the vanes152 may be positioned such that they extend inwardly from the jacket 151at positions that are radially equidistant with respect to the innersurface of the jacket 151), in some configurations the vanes 152 may bestaggered. Although FIG. 5A, for example, shows that the vanes 152 mayextend along the entire length of the jacket 151, in some configurationsthe vanes 152 may extend only partially along the length of the jacket151, and may begin or end at locations other than the axial ends of thejacket 151.

The vanes 152 may be different or have different characteristics fromeach other. For example, some of the vanes 152 may extend spirallyacross the entire length of the jacket 151 and some of the vanes 152 mayonly extend partially across the length of the jacket 151. In someconfigurations, and as illustrated in FIG. 5G, the internal conduit 154may not be present. Although in some configurations the flow mixer 150comprises the jacket 151, in some configurations, and as illustrated inFIG. 5F, the flow mixer 150 may not comprise a jacket. In some suchconfigurations, if the flow mixer 150 does not comprise a jacket, thevanes 152 may fit in a gases passageway (for example, the humidifierinlet 116 or the humidifier outlet 118), In some configurations, thevanes 152 can be secured through a frictional fit and/or the ends of thevanes 152 may fit into corresponding recesses or catches on the innersurface of, for example, the humidifier inlet 116, or be secured orfixed using other retaining elements. The ends of the vanes 152 may, forexample, be beveled such that they can slide into such recesses when theflow mixer 150 is pushed into the humidifier inlet 116 or the humidifieroutlet 118.

In some configurations, the flow mixer 150 can be integrally mouldedwith a gases conduit (for example, the humidifier inlet 116 or thehumidifier outlet 118), or the flow mixer 150 (which may or may notinclude the jacket 151) and the gases conduit can together otherwise bein the form of a single part or piece. Many other configurations arepossible. Preferably, the flow mixer 150 may be configured to impart atangential, rotational, swirling, or spiraling motion to a gases flowthrough the flow mixer 150 sufficient to reduce the error of sensorspositioned downstream of the flow mixer 150 in a gases passageway whileminimizing pressure loss of the gases flow.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a possible use of the flow mixer 150. FIG. 6shows that the flow mixer 150 may be located in the humidifier inlet 116of the humidifier 112 illustrated in FIG. 2 . FIG. 7 shows a diagram ofa gases passageway including the humidifier inlet 116 of FIG. 6 whereinthe first conduit 110 is connected to the humidifier inlet 116 asillustrated in FIG. 1 . In some configurations, the conduit connector115 (not shown in FIG. 7 ) may be positioned in-line between the firstconduit 110 and the humidifier inlet 116 as illustrated in FIG. 3 . Thearrows of FIG. 7 may demonstrate the velocity of a flow of gases passingthrough the gases passageway in use, where the size and/or length of thearrows relates to the magnitude of the velocity of the flow of gases. Asshown in FIG. 7 , the velocity of a flow of gases along the bend in thefirst conduit 110 (or the conduit connector 115, for example) may becomeasymmetric along a given profile of the gases passageway.

When gases flow along the vanes 152 of the flow mixer 150 inserted inthe humidifier inlet 116, the tangential motion imparted to the flow ofgases may facilitate gases mixing such that the velocity of the flow ofgases along the profile becomes more symmetric. This may improve theaccuracy of a sensor 160 positioned in the gases passageway downstreamof the flow mixer 150. The sensor 160 may be positioned in, for example,one or more of the apertures 134A, 134B, 134C as illustrated in FIG. 2 .In some embodiments, configurations of flow mixing apparatus such as theconduit connector 115 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D may be used togetherwith configurations of flow mixers including those illustrated in FIGS.5A-5G. The flow mixing apparatus 115 and the flow mixer 150 may worksynergistically together.

In some configurations, other static flow mixers may be used instead ofor in combination with the aforementioned flow mixers and/or flow mixingapparatus, including those known as “cut and fold” and/or “twist anddivide” mixers. FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate other static mixers that mayadvantageously be used to promote gases mixing. In each of FIGS. 8A-8E,gases may be introduced along arrows and travel along the mixers 200,202, 204, 206, 208 shown according to the black arrows as illustrated.

FIGS. 9A-9G illustrate various views of another example embodiment of aflow mixer or flow conditioner 300. While the embodiments describedabove were described as being positioned upstream of a sensor, theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9G is designed to be positioned suchthat the sensor is located between an inlet end and outlet end of theflow conditioner 300. In other words, the sensor can be positioned suchthat the sensor is disposed along the flow conditioner 300. In someconfigurations, however, the flow conditioner 300 of FIGS. 9A-9G can bepositioned upstream, or at least a portion is positioned upstream, of atleast one sensor.

In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 114 includes anelbow-shaped or angled outlet port 119 extending between the reservoir128 and the humidifier outlet 118, for example as shown in FIGS. 2-3,4B, 6, and 10 . With reference to FIG. 10 , the humidification chamber114 can include an aperture 135A proximate to the humidifier inlet 116.The aperture 135A is configured to receive a sensor. The sensor can be,for example, a thermistor adapted to sense the temperature of gasespassing through the humidifier inlet 116. The elbow-shaped outlet port119 can include two apertures 135B, 135C. The apertures 135B, 135C canbe configured to receive sensors. The sensors can be, for example, apair of thermistors (where one of the pair of thermistors is configuredto act as a reference) adapted to measure the flow rate of gases passingthrough the elbow-shaped outlet port 119. The apertures 135B, 135C arepositioned such that they can be viewed through the open outlet end ofthe outlet port 119.

As shown in the sectioned view of FIG. 11 , at least some of the gasespassing from the body of the humidification chamber 114, into the outletport 119, and out of the humidifier outlet 118, as indicated by a flowpath 170 in FIG. 11 , pass around an arcuate bend that partially definesa connection between the body of the chamber 114 and the outlet port119, indicated by an arrow 172. When the gases pass around the bend,flow separation can occur, promoting the creation of a turbulentboundary layer 174 near the sensors received in apertures 135B, 135C.Turbulent flow at the boundary layer 174 has a varying velocity for agiven average flow rate and can reduce the consistency of the sensoroutput at any given system flow rate. Turbulence in the gas flow canadditionally increase flow resistance through the outlet port 119, whichin turn increases the pressure drop, which can inhibit the ability todeliver gases to a patient at a desired pressure. Flow mixers, such asthose described herein, disposed in or near the humidifier inlet 116 canhelp mitigate turbulence and/or can help normalize the velocity of gasespassing through the humidifier inlet 116; however, it is possible tofurther improve the system with respect to flow through the outlet port119.

Instead of or in addition to a flow mixer placed in or near thehumidifier inlet 116, in some embodiments, a flow mixer or conditioner,such as the flow conditioner 300 shown and described herein, can bedisposed in the elbow-shaped outlet port 119, for example as shown inthe various views of FIGS. 14A-14J. The flow conditioner 300 isconfigured to help reduce or eliminate the turbulence of gas flow in theelbow-shaped outlet port 119. More particularly, the flow conditioner300 can help reduce or eliminate the turbulence of gas flow in a regionthat includes the sensors. In some configurations, the flow conditioner300 divides the flow passing through the outlet port 119. By dividingthe flow passing through the outlet port 119, the flow conditioner 300improves sensor output performance particularly when the sensor hasoutput that is sensitive to changes in flow velocity. Thus, the flowconditioner 300 provides for improved probe precision (in other words,reduces output variability by reducing flow turbulence around the regionof the probes) while also reducing or minimizing the impact of the flowconditioner 300 on pressure drop and/or flow restriction.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9E, the flow conditioner 300 includes multiplebaffles. In the illustrated configuration, the flow conditioner 300includes four baffles 310, 312, 314, 316 that create four compartments320, 322, 324, 326. The baffles 310, 312, 314, 316 can be configuredsuch that a cross-section of the flow conditioner 300 has a cross or Xshape. Other configurations also are possible. For example, but withoutlimitation, in some configurations, one or more of the baffles 310, 312,314, 316 can be omitted. In some configurations, the baffle 312 can beomitted. In some configurations, the baffle 310 can be omitted.

In some embodiments, two or more of the baffles 310, 312, 314, 316 canbe integrally formed or molded with each other. In some embodiments, twoor more of the baffles 310, 312, 314, 316 are formed separately andattached to one another. The flow conditioner 300 can be permanently orremovably disposed in the outlet port 119 and can be coupled to theoutlet port 119 via an adhesive, a friction fit, or any other suitablemeans. In some embodiments, the flow conditioner 300 is integrallyformed with the chamber 114.

With reference to FIGS. 9F, 9G, 12 and 13 , the flow conditioner 300 caninclude an outlet port retention feature 330 configured to help retainthe flow conditioner 300 in the appropriate position within the outletport 119. A snap-fit can be used to secure the conditioner 300 withinthe outlet port 119. The outlet port retention feature 330 includes aportion with a ridge or rib or the like that is adjacent to a void, gap,or opening such that the portion with the ridge or rib or the like candeflect in an elastic member to provide a snap fit. The outlet portretention feature 330 of the embodiment of the flow conditioner 300shown in FIGS. 9F and 9G has a different configuration from the outletport retention feature 330 of the embodiment of the flow conditioner 300shown in FIGS. 9A-9E. In FIGS. 9A-9E, the outlet port retention feature330 has a void, gap or opening that is captured within the material ofthe flow conditioner 300, while the outlet port retention feature 330 ofFIGS. 9F and 9G has a void, gap or opening that intersects with an edgeof the flow conditioner 300.

The outlet port retention feature 330 of FIGS. 9A-9G is configured toengage a corresponding cleft 332 in the wall of the outlet port 119. Asshown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the cleft 332 is located proximate theapertures 135B, 135C. As shown in FIG. 14D, the outlet port 119 caninclude retention slats 334 at or near a base of the outlet port 119and/or a transition between the body of the humidification chamber 114and the outlet port 119. The slats 334 define a slot 336 configured toreceive a base of the baffle 310 to orient the flow conditioner 300during assembly and/or to help maintain the flow conditioner 300 in theappropriate position following assembly. Other configurations arepossible.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flow conditioner 300 also includes atleast one aerofoil feature 340. As shown in FIGS. 9D, 9F and 9G, forexample, the aerofoil feature 340 is located on an edge of the baffle312. In the illustrated configuration, the aerofoil feature 340 islocated opposite of, or positioned away from, the apertures 135B, 135Cwhen the flow conditioner 300 is disposed in the outlet port 119. Theaerofoil feature 340 is separated from the apertures 135B, 135C by thebaffles 314, 316. The aerofoil feature 340 can be integrally formed withor coupled to the baffle 312.

As shown, the aerofoil feature 340 is curved and convex toward thebaffles 314, 316. As illustrated, the baffles 314, 316 have a straightlower portion and a curved upper portion. The illustrated baffles 314,316 generally follow the shape or configuration of the elbow-shapedoutlet port 119. In some configurations, the baffles 314, 316 definecurved portions that are concentric with each other. In someembodiments, a radius of curvature of the curved upper portion of eachof the baffles 314, 316 is 12 mm as shown in FIG. 9F. In someembodiments, the aerofoil feature 340 has an angled lower portion and apartially circular upper portion. The lower portion can be angled at 30°and the upper portion can have a radius of curvature of 5 mm, forexample as shown in FIG. 9F. In the illustrated configuration, and asbest shown in FIGS. 9F and 9G, for example, the wall or walls definingthe aerofoil feature 340 has at least a portion that defines a first arcwhile the wall or walls defining the baffles 314, 316 has at least aportion that defines a second arc. In some such configurations, thefirst arc and the second arc have the same center of curvature. The arcshave first ends that are coterminous with the flow conditioner 300 andsecond ends that connect to walls that define a tapering mouth. Thefirst and second arcs can define a passage with a constant cross-sectionportion.

The flow conditioner 300 can occupy the full length of the outlet port119 or any portion of the length of the outlet port 119. In theillustrated configuration, the flow conditioner 300 occupies only aportion of the full length of the outlet port 119. The portion of thelength of the outlet port 119 occupied by the flow conditioner cancontain one or more sensors or at least one or more of the apertures135A, 135B, 135B that receive sensors. In some embodiments, a totalheight of the flow conditioner 300 is in the range of 43 mm to 44 mm. Insome embodiments, a total width of the flow conditioner 300 is in therange of 26 mm to 27 mm.

As gases flow into the outlet port 119, the curvature of the aerofoilfeature 340 allows the incoming flow to gently change in direction as itflows around a corner defined within the elbow. In the absence of theaerofoil feature 340, the gases flowing around the corner defined withinthe elbow are forced to turn a sharp angle. By smoothing the corner, theaerofoil feature 340 allows the flow of gases to experience lesspressure drop and less increase in resistance to flow. In addition, inuse, the flow conditioner 300 separates the flow of gases through theoutlet port 119 into multiple (four in the illustrated embodiment)smaller compartments or flow paths.

FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate flow paths F1, F2, F3, F4 through compartments320, 322, 324, 326, respectively, formed by the flow conditioner 300.The illustrated configuration features four compartments 320, 322, 324,326. The smaller compartments 320, 322, 324, 326 compared to the overallsize of the outlet port 119 reduce the space available for boundarylayer separation and/or collision of a given portion of a flow of gaseswith another portion of the flow of gases, thereby helping to reduceturbulence. The gradually curved shape of the baffles 314, 316 alsohelps ease the flow of gases through the outlet port 119 and discouragethe formation of eddies, vortices, or turbulent areas. One or more ofthe compartments 320, 322, 324, 326 can be configured to promotesubstantially laminar flow through the compartment. In someconfigurations, the one or more of the compartments 320, 322, 324, 326containing sensors can be configured to promote substantially laminarflow at least in the region near the sensors. For example, removing orreducing the number and/or severity or sharp angles in or directlyadjacent to the compartment can promote substantially laminar flow.

Variations of the flow conditioner 300 can include more or fewer bafflesto create more or fewer compartments. Increasing the number ofcompartments and/or decreasing the cross-section of compartmentsproximal to the sensors reduces turbulence and increases sensorprecision. However, increasing the number of compartments and/ordecreasing the cross-section of the compartments can also increase flowrestriction and pressure drop. The number of baffles and compartmentsshould therefore be selected to balance turbulence reduction andminimization of pressure drop. In some embodiments, part or all of thebaffle 312 can be eliminated to improve flow resistance. For example,the portion of the baffle 312 supporting the aerofoil feature 340,described in greater detail herein, can be maintained, and the remainderof the baffle 312 can be removed. In some embodiments, turbulationfeatures (for example, small pits, bumps, or the like) can be placedalong the curved portions of the flow conditioner 300 and/or portions ofthe humidification chamber 114 proximate to the base of the outlet port119 to help discourage the formation of turbulent flow layers andthereby improve sensor precision.

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of the elbow-shaped outlet port119 that includes a compartment that is configured to contain one ormore sensors 402. In the illustrated configuration, the compartment canbe defined by a barrier 404, such as a wall or the like. The illustratedbarrier 404 is configured to create a bleed flow adjacent the sensors402. In other words, the barrier 404 creates a discrete chamber 406 ofconditioned gases flow that passes by the sensors 402 to thereby improvesensor reading accuracy. The chamber 406 can be configured to promotelaminar flow in the vicinity of the sensors 402.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to”.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integersor components having known equivalents thereof, those integers orcomponents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems may also be said broadlyto comprise the parts, elements, and features referred to or indicatedin the disclosure, individually or collectively, in any or allcombinations of two or more of said parts, elements, or features.

Recitation of ranges herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthandmethod of referring individually to each separate sub-range or valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and eachsuch separate sub-range or value is incorporated into the specificationas if it were individually recited herein.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should notbe taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that saidprior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field ofendeavour in any country in the world.

Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certainembodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art also are within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, variouschanges and modifications may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the disclosure. For instance, various components may berepositioned as desired. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects andadvantages are necessarily required to practice the present disclosure.Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to bedefined only by the claims that follow.

1. (canceled)
 2. A humidification chamber for a respiratory therapyapparatus, the humidification chamber comprising: a body defining aliquid reservoir; an inlet port extending from the body and defining agases inlet into the body, the inlet port configured to interface with aconduit, the inlet port further configured to receive one or moresensors, the one or more sensors extending into a gases flow path; anoutlet port extending from the body and defining a gases outlet out ofthe body; and a flow conditioner positioned within the inlet port, theflow conditioner comprising at least one internal wall.
 3. Thehumidification chamber of claim 2, wherein the inlet port comprises atleast two apertures to receive the one or more sensors.
 4. Thehumidification chamber of claim 2, wherein the flow conditionercomprises one or more vanes.
 5. The humidification chamber of claim 4,wherein the one or more vanes are configured to impart a tangentialmotion to gases flowing along the one or more vanes.
 6. Thehumidification chamber of claim 4, wherein each vane of the one or morevanes extends inwardly or each vane of the one or more vanes convergesupon an internal center of the inlet port.
 7. The humidification chamberof claim 4, wherein the inlet port comprises a first section and secondsection, wherein the second section is opposite the first section,wherein each vane of the one or more vanes extends inwardly from thefirst section of to a position at or near a central location equidistantfrom the first section and the second section.
 8. The humidificationchamber of claim 7, wherein each vane of the one or more vanes isconfigured to support an internal conduit located at or near the centrallocation.
 9. The humidification chamber of claim 4, wherein each vane ofthe one or more vanes extends inwardly from an inner surface of theinlet port from positions equidistant with respect to an inner surfaceof the inlet port.
 10. The humidification chamber of claim 4, whereineach vane of the one or more vanes extends axially along a length of theinlet port.
 11. The humidification chamber of claim 4, wherein each vaneof the one or more vanes extends spirally along a length of the inletport.
 12. The humidification chamber of claim 4, wherein each vane ofthe one or more vanes extends axially and spirally along a length of theinlet port.
 13. The humidification chamber of claim 4, wherein each vaneof the one or more vanes extends along a length of the inlet port at aconstant pitch.
 14. The humidification chamber of claim 4, wherein eachvane of the one or more vanes extends along a length of the inlet portat a variable pitch.
 15. The humidification chamber of claim 4, whereinthe one or more vanes comprises at least two vanes.
 16. Thehumidification chamber of claim 2, wherein the outlet port comprises atleast one internal wall defining a bent flow path through the outletport.
 17. The humidification chamber of claim 16, wherein the at leastone internal wall is configured to divide the gases flow path into afirst gases flow path and a second gases flow path, such that aplurality of compartments are defined within the gases flow path. 18.The humidification chamber of claim 16, wherein the outlet port is elbowshaped, wherein the at least one internal wall comprises a curve portionadapted to mitigate resistance to a flow of gases passing through theoutlet port.
 19. The humidification chamber of claim 2, wherein thegases outlet defines an arcuate gases flow path from the humidificationchamber.
 20. The humidification chamber of claim 2, wherein at least aportion of a wall defining the gases outlet is angled, wherein the wallextends from the humidification chamber to the gases outlet and the wallis tapered inwardly toward the gases outlet such that the gases outletis widest adjacent the humidification chamber.
 21. The humidificationchamber of claim 20, wherein the gases outlet comprises at least oneaperture configured to receive at least one sensor of the one or moresensors, the at least one aperture positioned in the angled portion ofthe wall defining the gases outlet.
 22. The humidification chamber ofclaim 2, wherein a sensor of the one or more sensors comprises athermistor configured to measure flow rate and temperature.
 23. Thehumidification chamber of claim 2, wherein the outlet port comprises asensor port configured to receive a sensor.